The High Court in Kuala Terengganu has set Nov 23 for continuation of the RM2 million defamation trial involving PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and a former PKR election candidate.

Justice Mohd Yazid Mustafa adjourned the case today after a witness for the plaintiff, Mohd Shamsul Mat Amin, failed to turn up in court.

Abdul Hadi (right) arrived in court with about 1,000 supporters to testify in his bid to set aside the default judgment against him.

Last Feb 23, he was ordered by the High Court to pay RM2 million to Mohd Shamsul after failing to submit his statement of defence to counter the plaintiff’s claim on Dec 5 last year.

Mohd Shamsul, who was the PKR candidate for Bukit Besi in the 13th general election, sued Abdul Hadi for allegedly subjecting him and his family to ridicule, and tarnishing his image as a candidate and businessman.    

The plaintiff alleged that Abdul Hadi committed the defamatory acts in his speech at Kampung Tebakang Alor Limbat, Marang on April 22, 2013.

Meanwhile, the defendant’s lawyer, Asmuni Awi, said the plaintiff called Bandar assemblyperson Azan Ismail as its witness today.

“The plaintiff’s other witness from the Kosmo daily failed to come and testify today despite a warrant arrest order on him,” he told reporters when met.

He said Alur Limbat assemblyperson Ariffin Deraman testified for the defendant today.

- Bernama